SANParks and the Sanlam Group have expanded the Sanlam SANParks SMME Support Programme into the Arid Region, specifically in and around the Meerkat and Mokala national parks and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape.
The programme provides SANParks-approved SMMEs within a defined radius of participating parks with short-term, zero-interest loans against issued purchase orders. It is funded through a R20 million US1.23 million revolving fund and implemented by I AM AN ENTREPRENEUR.
To date, the programme has, on average, disbursed close to R36 million US2.22 million, approved and funded 172 applications, supported mainly women and youth-owned enterprises, retained more than 297 jobs, saved about R2.4 million US148 464 in annualised interest costs and reinvested close to R16 million US989 760 in small business operations.
